Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

Fujifilm X

Review

The Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is a remarkable ultra-wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm X mount. This lens has gained a considerable following among landscape and architectural photographers due to its impressive specifications and unique features, delivering excellent performance in various shooting environments.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things to notice about the Laowa 9mm F2.8 is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 215 grams, it’s incredibly portable, making it an ideal companion for travel photographers or anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing capability. The solid metal construction adds a degree of durability, though you may want to handle it with care due to the lack of weather sealing.

The lens features a sleek matte black finish, and the focus and aperture rings are well damped, providing a satisfying tactile experience while shooting. The focus ring has a smooth rotation, which is beneficial for manual focusing, especially in challenging light scenarios.

Optical Performance

The optical design of the Laowa 9mm includes multiple elements with special coatings aimed at reducing flare and maintaining contrast even in challenging lighting conditions. The Zero-D designation indicates minimal distortion, and the lens lives up to this claim remarkably well, producing straight lines that remain true to reality.

When it comes to sharpness, the center of the image is impressively sharp even wide open at F2.8, and the sharpness continues to hold up well across the frame as you stop down to F4 and F5.6. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, and while you may see some corner softness at wider apertures, it’s mostly correctable in post-processing.

Use Cases

This lens excels in various scenarios, particularly landscapes and architecture, where its wide field of view allows for dramatic compositions. It’s also well-suited for astrophotography, thanks to its fast F2.8 aperture, giving you the ability to capture starry skies without introducing too much noise. However, the lack of autofocus might deter some users, especially those who rely on quick focusing for fast-paced shooting situations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance with minimal distortion.
• Lightweight and compact design, perfect for travel.
• Fast F2.8 maximum aperture ideal for low-light conditions.
• Smooth manual focus ring allows for precise focusing.

Cons

• Lack of autofocus may not suit all users.
• Slight edge softness at maximum aperture.
• No weather sealing for protection against the elements.

Verdict

The Venus Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D for the Fujifilm X mount is a fantastic option for those in need of an ultra-wide lens that delivers sharp, distortion-free images. Its compact design and versatility make it a great choice for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography. While the absence of autofocus and some corner softness at wide apertures may be downsides for some, the overall image quality and build of the lens make it a worthwhile addition to any Fujifilm X photographer's kit.